I’m foremost a writer and reader so I’m not the most qualified to give a critique of the programming that’s out there. I know so little of it.
All I know is my personal preferences. I love crime dramas and I love comedy. Odd mix, but if I’m not engrossed in a who-dun-it, then I prefer to laugh. I’m also not a fan of Noir, where every character is so damaged, there’s no uptick. I don’t mind dark, but allow me to take a breath when I’m reading (or watching).
Finally, no matter how much my husband begs me to watch a program with him for a solid one-to-two hours, I’m not likely to do so if I’m not fully engaged in, say, the first ten to fifteen minutes?
Which I learned is a good rule of thumb from publishing. Agents and editors lament if they’re not drawn in the first five pages, they’ll pass on a project. Same with this viewer. Engage me or let me get back to a book, my keyboard, or cleaning my kitchen.
During this Pandemic, when we’re spending so much time at home, I’ve been forced to search for some much-needed escapism, and I have to say I’ve found two series I adore on a British network Acorn TV. https://acorn.tv/
One program is lighter than the second. Still, the characters are rock solid heroic, and ones I want to follow. Both programs are historical in nature, topics can be serious, and even follow current political and social mores. But it all boils down to: Do I like the characters?
The first series I enjoy watching is Murdoch Mysteries. Based in the 1890s through the turn of the century, the series is produced by Shaftesbury Films based on the novels written by Maureen Jennings https://maureenjennings.com/
London Free Press writes of Jennings: Maureen Jennings is not only just about the best crime novelist in Canada, she’s among the best writers anywhere – a national and international treasure.
What compels me the most about the series are the characters, starring Victorian-era Detective William Murdock played by Yanick Bisson, and a host of multi-talented actors, who bring depth and needed comedic relief at times. Then there’s the fabulous Canadian setting.
About Murdoch Mysteries: Detective William Murdoch uses radical forensic techniques for the time to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders.
The second series I’ve become invested in is Foyle’s War, 
starring Michael Kitchen. Foyle’s War is a British detective drama television series set during (and shortly after) the Second World War, created by Midsomer Murders screenwriter and author Anthony Horowitz. (And when I say invested, I am, as each episode is 90 minutes.)
Horowitz is the author of Alex Rider, Foyle’s War, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, TV and film writer, occasional journalist. https://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/
About Foyle’s War: As WWII rages, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front; investigating crime on the south coast of England. Later series, see the retired detective working as an MI5 agent in the aftermath of the war.
Next, and this review isn’t positive–yet. I tuned in to a free offer of HBO’s Perry Mason Detective. I’m old enough to have watched the early courtroom dramas and later episodes when Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale returned in their later years.
I gave Perry Mason Detective a fifteen/twenty minute chance, then turned off the set. Expletives, full-frontal nudity, and a damaged character (Noir). Perhaps it gets better as this article in The Atlantic suggests. Maybe I can fast forward. https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/06/hbo-perry-mason-falls-into-a-prestige-tv-trap/613459/
Maybe I’m showing my age or maybe I’m not impressed by Fan Fiction, incorporating characters and concepts created by its admirers. Further I’m more interested in plot and outstanding dialogue than shock value.
If there is a point to this blog is that subjectivity exists on all levels, streaming is my new best friend, and I apparently love British television. I do know I will be buying Maureen Jennings and Anthony Horowitz books from start to finish.
Thank you! I’m not much of a TV watcher, either, but sometimes I just need a break. These series sound like a good way to relax.
Thanks, Chris. Keep me posted on what you think. Like I said, “It’s subjective.”
I love tv ive watched a few murdochs. And fotles war when on pbs.
🙂 I’m really enjoying both of these series!
Hi Donnell,
The TV is always on when I get off work. Although sometimes I get off after the news is off and I don’t even bother to turn it on. I think most of the time it’s background noise. I have regular series I love. All of the NCIS series, I like the new FBI series, see the trend? I don’t like Survivor but I did like the Amazing Race. If I don’t like what’s on I change the channel. But the hours have picked up at work and like today I was scheduled off at 5:30 PM but it was after 6 when I got off. Thursday night I was supposed to get off at 5:30 and I worked until 10:30. I didn’t even turn on the TV. I loved all the morning game shows and now it’s all talk and news. On an ordinary day I turn the TV on at 5:00 central and off at 10:30 or so that night. I guess because the computer was right where the TV was that it seems unusual if I don’t have it on.
Kathy, I love quiet, especially when I’m writing. I tune in to background noise and it distracts me. Glad yours keeps you company! Stay safe.
We gave up on mainstream American TV several years ago. We love the intricate plotting, lack of gore, and creative characters of UK TV. We watched all Murdoch Mysteries and found them enjoyable. We had many conversations about characters, their roles and motivations. Can’t see that after watching SWAT. We also have watched Foyle’s War and it’s one of our favorites. Also worth looking at are “Gently” named after George Gently, a British DCI in the north country during the 60’s. Good plotting, characters and interesting morality. Inspector Lynley (of Elizabeth George novels) is our current favorite. Miss Marple is fun, as is Father Brown (both the Kenneth More and more current Mark Williams shows), Grantchester, Inspector Morse and one of my favorites, Inspector Lewis. Don’t forget Vera of Ann Cleeves novels. This should keep you going. There’s also a fun offering from Down Under: My Life is Murder, Brokenwood (set in New Zealand) and the feel good show of the century-800 Words.
You nailed it Thonie! I’m enjoying these programs way more than I have American programs. Guess it was time to try something new. I’m finding them so original and the mainstream broadcasting the same ol’ same ol.
Thanks for stopping by!